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By: Jennifer Willems - July 28, 2022 -
Featured Article
Abbot Michael Calhoun, OSB, who was elected on July 13 to lead the Benedictine community at St. Bede Abbey in Peru, stands in front of the monastery’s door. His abbatial blessing is planned for Saturday, Sept. 3, and will be conferred by Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Lombardo, CFR, of Chicago. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
PERU — After being known as Father Michael for 20 years, it may take some time for Abbot Michael Calhoun, OSB, to get used to his new title and responsibilities. But that is what the monastic community at St. Bede Abbey elected him to do on July 13. His abbatial blessing will be conferred by […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - July 27, 2022 -
News Article
People will have the opportunity to paint two soup bowls at fundraising sessions set for Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Sophia's Kitchen, 105 N. Richard Pryor Place in Peoria. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
Who wants to think about soup in summer heat? Claire Crone hopes you will and participate in Spoonful, a two-part fundraiser for Sophia’s Kitchen, a mission of St. Joseph Church in Peoria. The first part of Spoonful is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 17, when people will have the opportunity to paint two soup bowls. The […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - July 27, 2022 -
Featured Article
Bishop Louis Tylka is surrounded by those attending TEC Encounter 2022 after the opening Mass at St. John's Chapel in Champaign. The national gathering was held July 15-17. (Provided photo)
CHAMPAIGN — With about 60 leaders from 20 Teens Encounter Christ communities around the country converging on St. John’s Catholic Newman Center July 15-17, there was plenty of joy to go around as they prayed, learned and laughed together. That joyful, fruitful ministry doesn’t come from running nonstop, however. That’s why TEC Encounter 2022 focused […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - July 19, 2022 -
Featured Article
Breaking ground for the new Gathering Center at Sacred Heart Church in Moline on July 17 are (from left) Dave Coene, Sandy Madison, Andrew Dasso, Missy Gasiorowski, Peter Murray, Don Lewis, Jim Watson, Connie Morris, Jim Harl, Father Matthew Cole, parochial vicar, and Father Mark DeSutter, pastor. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
MOLINE — Remembering where they’ve been, rejoicing in where they are, and ready for what’s ahead, members of Sacred Heart Parish here broke ground for a Gathering Center last Sunday, July 17. The ceremonial turning of dirt followed a Mass of Thanksgiving for the formal start of construction for the new building and the 40th […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - July 13, 2022 -
Featured Article
Newly elected Abbot Michael Calhoun, OSB, of St. Bede Abbey in Peru stands between Abbot Philip Davey, OSB, (left), whom he succeeded, and Rt. Rev. Jonathan Licari, OSB, who oversaw the election on July 13 as the abbot president of the American-Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine Monasteries. (Provided photo)
PERU — Father Michael Calhoun, OSB, has been elected the ninth abbot of St. Bede Abbey. He succeeds Abbot Philip Davey, OSB, who served as spiritual leader of the Benedictine community here since 2011. “I feel humbled and honored to serve the St. Bede community as its abbot. I pray for God’s grace to strengthen […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - July 13, 2022 -
Featured Article
Seminarian Thomas Williams interacts with Emory Thais and Zoey Mitchell as they “Go Bananas” at the end of the day on June 22. This is the first year Totus Tuus has been at St. Philomena in Monticello. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
MONTICELLO — Little surges of energy can be felt all over the Diocese of Peoria this summer, accompanied by prayer, song and laughter — lots of laughter. It’s the result of a youth program called Totus Tuus and for parishes still rebuilding after COVID-19, it’s a godsend. “We just couldn’t do anything for the last […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - June 29, 2022 -
News Article
"It's been an honor," said Laurie Ullrich of her 23 years serving on the diocesan staff, including the last 14 years as an administrative assistant in the Office of the Bishop and Chancery Office. (Provided photo)
At various times over the last 23 years, Laurie Ullrich has been the friendly, capable voice at the other end of the line in the Office Vocations and the Office of Divine Worship. Since 2008, she has been an administrative assistant in the Office of the Bishop and Chancery Office of the Diocese of Peoria. […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - June 25, 2022 -
Featured Article
Father David Whiteside sings "Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven" during the opening procession at the annual Jubilarian Mass on June 23 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria. The pastor of faith communities in Havana, Lewistown and Manito, he is celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination in 2022. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
Nearly 50 diocesan and religious order priests were honored for milestone anniversaries of ordination at the annual Jubilarian Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria on June 23. The principal celebrant was Bishop Louis Tylka, who thanked them for their priestly service. “What a great gift they have been to our church as they have […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - June 20, 2022 -
Featured Article
Father Adam Cesarek, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Pontiac, carries a monstrace containing the Blessed Sacrament through the city's town square during a Corpus Christi procession on June 19. It is estimated that as many as 250 people walked or rode golf carts and a trolley to take part in the celebration. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
(This story was updated June 29.) PONTIAC — In talking about the tangible parts of the Catholic faith, Father Adam Cesarek told his parishioners at St. Mary Church on June 19 that the Eucharist is the greatest gift God has given to us and makes us one with him. “It doesn’t get more real than […]
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By: Jennifer Willems - June 15, 2022 -
News Article
Father William Miller, pastor, walks in the front of the procession from St. Joseph Church in Peoria as members of the Heart of Peoria Hispanic community travel to the Marian shrine to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Carrying the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe is Felipe Tepoz. Following with an offering of flowers is Teresita Moran. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
It is natural to grieve when someone you love moves away, so Spanish-speaking Catholics in the Heart of Peoria Catholic Community leaned on their devotion to the Blessed Mother and her Son as they prepared to say goodbye to Father Julio Faes, parochial vicar. His new assignment would take him to Champaign on June 15, […]
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